EP1565794A1 - Watch case - Google Patents

Watch case

Info

Publication number
EP1565794A1
EP1565794A1 EP03769145A EP03769145A EP1565794A1 EP 1565794 A1 EP1565794 A1 EP 1565794A1 EP 03769145 A EP03769145 A EP 03769145A EP 03769145 A EP03769145 A EP 03769145A EP 1565794 A1 EP1565794 A1 EP 1565794A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lips
chamber
bezel
watch case
spring
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03769145A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1565794B1 (en
Inventor
Willy Meier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eterna AG Uhrenfabrik
Original Assignee
Eterna AG Uhrenfabrik
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eterna AG Uhrenfabrik filed Critical Eterna AG Uhrenfabrik
Priority to EP03769145A priority Critical patent/EP1565794B1/en
Publication of EP1565794A1 publication Critical patent/EP1565794A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1565794B1 publication Critical patent/EP1565794B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/28—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/28—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time
    • G04B19/283—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time on rotatable rings, i.e. bezel
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/10—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of winding stems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of waterproof watch cases. It relates more particularly to a box provided with a rotating bezel, of the type frequently used in scuba diving watches.
  • the rotating bezel provides a marker next to the hands, especially to define a maximum dive time.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a watch case equipped with a rotating bezel which turns smoothly and whose sealing remains good, even at high pressures.
  • the invention relates to a watch case comprising a middle part, a bezel mounted mobile in rotation on the middle part and defining between them an annular chamber and a gap open towards the outside of the case, a glass mounted so waterproof on the bezel, a seal inserted between the bezel and the middle part and disposed in said chamber.
  • the seal comprises:
  • a compression member disposed in said chamber on the side of the gap, interposed between and cooperating with the lips to compress them respectively against the bezel and against the middle.
  • the lips are connected to each other by an intermediate part. They are arranged so as to form an acute angle between them.
  • the chamber is defined by side walls, upper and lower.
  • the lips have, on the side of their free end, a contact surface intended to be in abutment on the side walls of the chamber, while the intermediate part is flat and follows the lower wall of the chamber. In order for watertightness to be ensured, the gap must not be closed.
  • the compression member comprises an annular spring placed directly in contact with the lips.
  • this spring has regular undulations, distributed on either side of a circle of diameter substantially equal to the median diameter of the chamber, the undulations being folded over by the line formed by the median circle, the angle of the fold being slightly greater than or equal to that formed by the lips.
  • This spring can advantageously be made of stainless steel.
  • the compression member can, moreover, comprise a positioning ring interposed between the spring and one of the walls of the chamber. It is advantageously arranged opposite the telescope and has positioning studs pressing on it so as to keep the intermediate part in abutment against a wall of the chamber.
  • the invention also relates to a watch seal.
  • a ring of annular shape made of a material of highly elastic deformable type, the section of which has two lips, and a compression member disposed between the lips and cooperating with them to compress them.
  • the compression member comprises an annular spring placed directly in contact with the lips and a positioning ring cooperating with the spring to hold it in place.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified view in cross section of the elements of a watch case according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows, on a larger scale, the structure presented by the box of FIG. 1 at the interface between the bezel and the middle, without the joint at a and with at b, and
  • FIG. 1 there is shown, in part, a waterproof watch case 10 according to the invention, having a lower face 12, intended to be in contact with the arm of the wearer and an upper face 14 on the side of which the time display means are visible.
  • This box essentially includes:
  • the base 20 is fixed to the middle part 16, generally by screwing or by any means known to those skilled in the art, a seal being interposed between them.
  • the middle part 16 has a structure arranged so as to ensure the mounting of a watch movement. It further comprises a flat surface 24 and a cylindrical surface 26 ensuring the positioning of a flange 28.
  • the flange 28 is fixed to the middle by screws, schematically represented by an axis line 30. It ensures the positioning and the guiding of the bezel 18, thus allowing it to turn on the middle 16.
  • the glass 22 can be fixed to the bezel 18 by bonding or by chasing with the interposition of a seal, or by any means known to the skilled person.
  • the middle part 16 and the bezel 18 are shaped so as to define an annular chamber 36 having two side walls 36a and 36b, respectively formed by the middle part 16 and the bezel 18 , an upper wall 36c formed by the bezel 18 and a lower wall 36d essentially formed by the middle part 16.
  • the chamber 36 is connected to the outside of the box 10 by a gap 40.
  • the chamber 36 serves as a housing for a seal 42, comprising a ring 44 with two lips 44a, advantageously made of polyurethane of hardness on the order of 20 to 30 Shore A and a compression member 46.
  • the ring 44 is annular and its section has an overall shape of U.
  • the lower branch of the U constitutes an intermediate part 44b connecting the two lips 44a.
  • the width of the U, at its base, is less than that of the chamber 36, while the lips 44a, constituting the lateral branches of the U, form between them an acute angle of the order of 5 ° to 15 °.
  • the compression member 46 Inside the space 48 is housed the compression member 46. It consists of an annular spring 50 placed directly in contact with the lips 44a and a positioning ring 52 interposed between the spring and the upper wall 36c from room 36.
  • the annular spring 50 is in the form of a strip of substantially constant width forming regular undulations arranged on either side of a circle of diameter D substantially equal to the median diameter of the chamber 36
  • the spring 50 is obtained from a chemically machined stainless steel blade.
  • the undulations are folded in V on either side of the line constituting the diameter D.
  • the angle formed is slightly greater than that formed by the lips 44a, so that, when it is put in place, it constrains the free ends of the lips 44a against the walls 36a and 36b of the chamber. This angle is typically between 10 ° and 20 °. Its top is rounded. It follows from this conformation that the spring 50 has a high elasticity.
  • the positioning ring 52 shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, has the same median diameter as the ring 44. It is disposed in contact with the spring 50, opposite the bezel 18 and includes positioning pads 58 resting on the bezel 18 so as to maintain the spring 50 in contact with the lips.
  • the pads 58 are cylindrical in shape and have a flat surface, intended to be in contact with the telescope.
  • the height of the assembly formed by the ring 52 and by the studs 58 is equal to the distance separating the bezel 18 from the annular spring 50.
  • the chamber 48 is connected to the external medium by the gap 40 and, thanks to the fact that the positioning pads 58 do not occupy the entire chamber 48, the latter is at the same pressure as the medium outside.
  • the water then compresses the positioning ring 52 which presses on the seal 42 and strongly applies the lips 44a against the walls of the chamber 36.
  • the higher the external pressure the more the lips 44a are strongly applied against the walls 36a and 36b from the bedroom. Under these conditions, the friction forces then created between the lips 44a and the watch case 10 make it impossible to rotate the telescope 18. There is therefore a diving lock, which increases safety.
  • the diver breathes a gas mixture containing helium or hydrogen. These light gases can get inside the watch case. During the ascent to the surface, the external pressure can decrease more quickly than that prevailing inside the watch case. If a valve is not provided to regulate this overpressure, the glass can be expelled from its housing. With a box according to the invention, such a valve is not necessary. Indeed, thanks to the shape of the lips 44a, the gas contained inside the box 10 can escape freely.
  • the watch case thus produced is perfectly waterproof when the outside pressure is higher than the inside pressure and it lets out the gas which it contains when the inside pressure is higher than the outside pressure.
  • a waterproof watch case with a rotating bezel whose sealing qualities are particularly effective. Furthermore, these qualities are not to the detriment of the flexibility of operation of the rotating bezel.
  • the chamber 36 could have a section other than rectangular.
  • the seal could be oriented differently, with, for example, the lips in contact with the upper 36c and lower 36d walls, while the intermediate part would be in contact with the side wall 36a formed on the bezel 18.
  • the means of assembling the bezel 18 on the middle 16 could also be considerably modified.
  • the movable interior part could occupy a much larger space, in order to allow the display of a maximum of information and thus offer better reading conditions.

Abstract

The watch case (16) has a screwed (30) element (28) which bears the rotatable glass (22) frame (18). An annular chamber (36) separates the glass frame and watch case and is connected to atmosphere by an interstice. The chamber contains an annular elastic collar with a U shaped cross section which houses an undulating spring and positioning ring. Under high water pressure the rings act to open the collar and make it watertight An Independent claim is also included for a watertight joint which includes an annular collar with two lips made from a highly elastic material and a spring ring and positioning ring which act on the lips under water pressure

Description

BOITE DE MONTRE WATCH BOX
La présente invention se rapporte au domaine des boîtes de montres étanches. Elle concerne plus particulièrement une boîte dotée d'une lunette tournante, du type de celles utilisées fréquemment dans les montres de plongée sous-marine. La lunette tournante permet de disposer un repère en regard des aiguilles, spécialement pour définir un temps maximum de plongée.The present invention relates to the field of waterproof watch cases. It relates more particularly to a box provided with a rotating bezel, of the type frequently used in scuba diving watches. The rotating bezel provides a marker next to the hands, especially to define a maximum dive time.
Il est évident que les montres destinées à être immergées dans l'eau doivent être munies d'une boîte étanche. Cette qualité est obtenue grâce à la présence de joints disposés entre les parties constitutives de la boîte de montre, à savoir : la lunette, la carrure, le fond et le verre, lesquels forment ainsi, ensemble, un logement protégeant le mouvement.It is obvious that watches intended to be immersed in water must have a waterproof case. This quality is obtained thanks to the presence of seals arranged between the constituent parts of the watch case, namely: the bezel, the middle part, the back and the glass, which thus together form a housing protecting the movement.
Dans les montres munies d'une lunette tournante, celle-ci est fréquemment disposée sur la carrure, autour de la glace, mais totalement à l'extérieur du logement. La lunette peut ainsi tourner librement, mais elle se trouve relativement éloignée des aiguilles. Les indications qu'elle porte peuvent parfois ne pas apparaître clairement. De plus, n'étant pas protégées, leur lisibilité peut s'altérer avec le temps.In watches fitted with a rotating bezel, this is frequently placed on the middle, around the crystal, but completely outside the housing. The bezel can thus rotate freely, but it is relatively far from the hands. The indications it carries may sometimes not appear clearly. In addition, not being protected, their readability can deteriorate over time.
Pour pallier cet inconvénient, il a été proposé de réaliser une boîte dans laquelle la lunette porte la glace et est montée tournante sur la carrure, avec interposition d'un joint d'étanchéité toroïdal.To overcome this drawback, it has been proposed to produce a box in which the bezel carries the glass and is mounted to rotate on the middle part, with the interposition of a toroidal seal.
Malheureusement, du fait que les joints utilisés présentent un très grand rapport entre leur périmètre et le diamètre de leur section, des déformations locales peuvent être engendrées en tournant la lunette. De ce fait, la qualité du contact entre le joint et les parois de la carrure et de la lunette est amoindrie et l'étanchéité peut être affectée. De plus, il est problématique d'avoir un joint qui permette une rotation souple de la lunette à une pression proche de la pression atmosphérique tout en restant étanche à des profondeurs importantes.Unfortunately, due to the fact that the seals used have a very large relationship between their perimeter and the diameter of their section, local deformations can be generated by turning the telescope. As a result, the quality of the contact between the seal and the walls of the middle part and of the bezel is reduced and the seal can be affected. In addition, it is problematic to have a seal which allows flexible rotation of the telescope at a pressure close to atmospheric pressure while remaining tight at significant depths.
La présente invention a pour but de pallier ces inconvénients en fournissant une boîte de montre équipée d'une lunette rotative tournant en souplesse et dont l'étanchéité reste bonne, même à de fortes pressions.The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a watch case equipped with a rotating bezel which turns smoothly and whose sealing remains good, even at high pressures.
De façon plus précise, l'invention concerne une boîte de montre comportant une carrure, une lunette montée mobile en rotation sur la carrure et définissant entre elles une chambre annulaire et un interstice ouvert vers l'extérieur de la boîte, un verre monté de manière étanche sur la lunette, un joint d'étanchéité intercalé entre la lunette et la carrure et disposé dans ladite chambre.More specifically, the invention relates to a watch case comprising a middle part, a bezel mounted mobile in rotation on the middle part and defining between them an annular chamber and a gap open towards the outside of the case, a glass mounted so waterproof on the bezel, a seal inserted between the bezel and the middle part and disposed in said chamber.
Selon l'invention, le joint comporte :According to the invention, the seal comprises:
- une bague de forme annulaire, en matériau de type fortement déformable élastiquement et dont la section comprend deux lèvres, l'une en appui contre la lunette, l'autre contre la carrure; et- A ring of annular shape, of material of the highly elastically deformable type and the section of which comprises two lips, one bearing against the bezel, the other against the middle part; and
- un organe de compression disposé dans ladite chambre du côté de l'interstice, intercalé entre et coopérant avec les lèvres pour les compresser respectivement contre la lunette et contre la carrure.- A compression member disposed in said chamber on the side of the gap, interposed between and cooperating with the lips to compress them respectively against the bezel and against the middle.
Les lèvres sont reliées l'une à l'autre par une partie intermédiaire. Elles sont disposées de manière à former entre elles un angle aigu. La chambre est définie par des parois latérales, supérieure et inférieure. Les lèvres présentent, du côté de leur extrémité libre, une surface de contact destinée à être en appui sur les parois latérales de la chambre, tandis que la partie intermédiaire est plane et épouse la paroi inférieure de la chambre. Pour que l'étanchéité puisse être assurée, il est nécessaire que l'interstice ne soit pas obturé.The lips are connected to each other by an intermediate part. They are arranged so as to form an acute angle between them. The chamber is defined by side walls, upper and lower. The lips have, on the side of their free end, a contact surface intended to be in abutment on the side walls of the chamber, while the intermediate part is flat and follows the lower wall of the chamber. In order for watertightness to be ensured, the gap must not be closed.
L'organe de compression comprend un ressort annulaire placé directement au contact des lèvres. De manière avantageuse, ce ressort présente des ondulations régulières, réparties de part et d'autre d'un cercle de diamètre sensiblement égal au diamètre médian de la chambre, les ondulations étant repliées par la ligne que forme le cercle médian, l'angle du pli étant légèrement supérieur ou égal à celui que forment les lèvres. Ce ressort peut avantageusement être réalisé en acier inoxydable. L'organe de compression peut, en outre, comporter une bague de positionnement intercalée entre le ressort et l'une des parois de la chambre. Elle est avantageusement disposée en regard de la lunette et comporte des plots de positionnement s'appuyant sur elle de manière à maintenir la partie intermédiaire en appui contre une paroi de la chambre. L'invention concerne aussi un joint d'étanchéité pour montre. Avantageusement, il comporte une bague de forme annulaire en matériau de type fortement déformable élastiquement, dont la section présente deux lèvres, et un organe de compression disposé entre les lèvres et coopérant avec elles pour les compresser. L'organe de compression comprend un ressort annulaire placé directement au contact des lèvres et une bague de positionnement coopérant avec le ressort pour le maintenir en place.The compression member comprises an annular spring placed directly in contact with the lips. Advantageously, this spring has regular undulations, distributed on either side of a circle of diameter substantially equal to the median diameter of the chamber, the undulations being folded over by the line formed by the median circle, the angle of the fold being slightly greater than or equal to that formed by the lips. This spring can advantageously be made of stainless steel. The compression member can, moreover, comprise a positioning ring interposed between the spring and one of the walls of the chamber. It is advantageously arranged opposite the telescope and has positioning studs pressing on it so as to keep the intermediate part in abutment against a wall of the chamber. The invention also relates to a watch seal. Advantageously, it comprises a ring of annular shape made of a material of highly elastic deformable type, the section of which has two lips, and a compression member disposed between the lips and cooperating with them to compress them. The compression member comprises an annular spring placed directly in contact with the lips and a positioning ring cooperating with the spring to hold it in place.
D'autres caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront de la description qui va suivre, faite en regard du dessin annexé, sur lequel :Other characteristics of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawing, in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue simplifiée en coupe transversale des éléments d'une boîte de montre selon l'invention,FIG. 1 is a simplified view in cross section of the elements of a watch case according to the invention,
- la figure 2 montre, à une plus grande échelle, la structure que présente la boîte de la figure 1 à l'interface entre la lunette et la carrure, sans le joint en a et avec en b, etFIG. 2 shows, on a larger scale, the structure presented by the box of FIG. 1 at the interface between the bezel and the middle, without the joint at a and with at b, and
- les figures 3, 4a et 4b illustrent des détails relatifs au joint d'étanchéité que comporte la boîte selon l'invention.- Figures 3, 4a and 4b illustrate details relating to the seal that comprises the box according to the invention.
Sur la figure 1 , on a représenté, en partie, une boîte de montre étanche 10 selon l'invention, présentant une face inférieure 12, destinée à être au contact du bras du porteur et une face supérieure 14 du côté de laquelle les moyens d'affichage de l'heure sont visibles. Cette boîte comporte essentiellement :In Figure 1, there is shown, in part, a waterproof watch case 10 according to the invention, having a lower face 12, intended to be in contact with the arm of the wearer and an upper face 14 on the side of which the time display means are visible. This box essentially includes:
- une carrure 16 de forme annulaire, délimitant le volume dans lequel prennent place les différents organes de la montre, - une lunette 18 montée tournante sur la carrure 16,- a middle part 16 of annular shape, delimiting the volume in which the various organs of the watch take place, - a bezel 18 rotatably mounted on the middle part 16,
- un fond schématiquement représenté en 20 et fermant la boîte de montre 10 sur son côté inférieur 12, eta bottom schematically represented at 20 and closing the watch case 10 on its lower side 12, and
- un verre 22 fixé de manière étanche sur la lunette 18, fermant la boîte de montre sur sa face supérieure 14 et laissant voir ainsi les moyens d'affichage portés par le mouvement.- A glass 22 tightly fixed on the bezel 18, closing the watch case on its upper face 14 and thus showing the display means carried by the movement.
Plus précisément, le fond 20 est fixé sur la carrure 16, généralement par vissage ou par tout moyen connu de l'homme de métier, un joint d'étanchéité étant interposé entre eux. La carrure 16 présente une structure agencée de manière à assurer le montage d'un mouvement de montre. Elle comporte, en outre, une surface plane 24 et une surface cylindrique 26 assurant le positionnement d'un réhaut 28.More specifically, the base 20 is fixed to the middle part 16, generally by screwing or by any means known to those skilled in the art, a seal being interposed between them. The middle part 16 has a structure arranged so as to ensure the mounting of a watch movement. It further comprises a flat surface 24 and a cylindrical surface 26 ensuring the positioning of a flange 28.
Le réhaut 28 est fixé sur la carrure par des vis, schématiquement représentées par un trait d'axe 30. Il assure le positionnement et le guidage de la lunette 18, lui permettant ainsi de tourner sur la carrure 16. Le verre 22 peut être fixé à la lunette 18 par collage ou par chassage avec interposition d'un joint, ou selon tout moyen connu de l'homme de métier.The flange 28 is fixed to the middle by screws, schematically represented by an axis line 30. It ensures the positioning and the guiding of the bezel 18, thus allowing it to turn on the middle 16. The glass 22 can be fixed to the bezel 18 by bonding or by chasing with the interposition of a seal, or by any means known to the skilled person.
Pour assurer l'étanchéité de la boîte à son interface entre la carrure 16 et la lunette 18, ces dernières sont conformées de manière à définir une chambre annulaire 36 présentant deux parois latérales 36a et 36b, respectivement formées par la carrure 16 et la lunette 18, une paroi supérieure 36c formée par la lunette 18 et une paroi inférieure 36d essentiellement formée par la carrure 16.To seal the case at its interface between the middle part 16 and the bezel 18, the latter are shaped so as to define an annular chamber 36 having two side walls 36a and 36b, respectively formed by the middle part 16 and the bezel 18 , an upper wall 36c formed by the bezel 18 and a lower wall 36d essentially formed by the middle part 16.
La chambre 36, est reliée à l'extérieur de la boîte 10 par un interstice 40. Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 2b, la chambre 36 sert de logement à un joint 42, comprenant une bague 44 à deux lèvres 44a, avantageusement en polyuréthane de dureté de l'ordre de 20 à 30 Shore A et un organe de compression 46. La bague 44 est annulaire et sa section a une forme globale de U. La branche inférieure du U constitue une partie intermédiaire 44b reliant les deux lèvres 44a. La largeur du U, à sa base, est inférieure à celle de la chambre 36, tandis que les lèvres 44a, constituant les branches latérales du U, forment entre elles un angle aigu de l'ordre de 5° à 15°. Elles présentent, du côté de leur extrémité libre, une surface de contact destinée à être en appui sur les parois de la chambre, laissant libre l'interstice 40. Ces surfaces de contact entre les lèvres 44a et les parois latérales 36a et 36b de la chambre 36 sont continues, de telle sorte qu'elles assurent l'étanchéité à l'interface entre la carrure 16 et la lunette 18. La partie intermédiaire 44b est plate et épouse la paroi inférieure 36d de la chambre 36. Un espace 48 défini entre les branches du U est ainsi en communication directe avec l'extérieure de la boîte de montre 10 par l'intermédiaire de l'interstice 40.The chamber 36 is connected to the outside of the box 10 by a gap 40. As can be seen in FIG. 2b, the chamber 36 serves as a housing for a seal 42, comprising a ring 44 with two lips 44a, advantageously made of polyurethane of hardness on the order of 20 to 30 Shore A and a compression member 46. The ring 44 is annular and its section has an overall shape of U. The lower branch of the U constitutes an intermediate part 44b connecting the two lips 44a. The width of the U, at its base, is less than that of the chamber 36, while the lips 44a, constituting the lateral branches of the U, form between them an acute angle of the order of 5 ° to 15 °. They have, on the side of their free end, a contact surface intended to be in abutment on the walls of the chamber, leaving the gap 40 free. These contact surfaces between the lips 44a and the side walls 36a and 36b of the chamber 36 are continuous, so that they seal the interface between the middle part 16 and the bezel 18. The intermediate part 44b is flat and follows the bottom wall 36d of the chamber 36. A space 48 defined between the branches of the U is thus in direct communication with the exterior of the watch case 10 via the gap 40.
A l'intérieur de l'espace 48 est logé l'organe de compression 46. Il est constitué d'un ressort annulaire 50 placé directement au contact des lèvres 44a et d'une bague de positionnement 52 intercalée entre le ressort et la paroi supérieure 36c de la chambre 36.Inside the space 48 is housed the compression member 46. It consists of an annular spring 50 placed directly in contact with the lips 44a and a positioning ring 52 interposed between the spring and the upper wall 36c from room 36.
Comme illustré sur la figure 3, le ressort annulaire 50 se présente sous forme d'une bande de largeur sensiblement constante formant des ondulations régulières disposées de part et d'autre d'un cercle de diamètre D sensiblement égal au diamètre médian de la chambre 36. Le ressort 50 est obtenu à partir d'une lame en acier inoxydable usinée chimiquement. Les ondulations sont repliées en V de part et d'autre de la ligne constituant le diamètre D. L'angle formé est légèrement supérieur à celui que forment les lèvres 44a, de manière telle que, lorsqu'il est mis en place, il contraint les extrémités libres des lèvres 44a contre les parois 36a et 36b de la chambre. Cet angle est typiquement compris entre 10° et 20°. Son sommet est arrondi. Il résulte de cette conformation que le ressort 50 présente une grande élasticité.As illustrated in FIG. 3, the annular spring 50 is in the form of a strip of substantially constant width forming regular undulations arranged on either side of a circle of diameter D substantially equal to the median diameter of the chamber 36 The spring 50 is obtained from a chemically machined stainless steel blade. The undulations are folded in V on either side of the line constituting the diameter D. The angle formed is slightly greater than that formed by the lips 44a, so that, when it is put in place, it constrains the free ends of the lips 44a against the walls 36a and 36b of the chamber. This angle is typically between 10 ° and 20 °. Its top is rounded. It follows from this conformation that the spring 50 has a high elasticity.
A la pression atmosphérique, la pression appliquée par le ressort 50 sur la bague 44 permet de contrôler le couple nécessaire à la rotation de la lunette 18 et d'assurer le contact des lèvres 44a sur tout le pourtour des parois 36a et 36b. La bague de positionnement 52, représentée sur les figures 4a et 4b, possède le même diamètre médian que la bague 44. Elle est disposée au contact du ressort 50, en regard de la lunette 18 et comporte des plots de positionnement 58 s'appuyant sur la lunette 18 de manière à maintenir le ressort 50 au contact des lèvres. Les plots 58 sont de forme cylindrique et présentent une surface plane, destinée à être au contact de la lunette. La hauteur de l'ensemble formé par la bague 52 et par les plots 58 est égale à la distance séparant la lunette 18 du ressort annulaire 50. Celui-ci est ainsi précisément maintenu en place tandis que la lunette 18 glisse sur les plots 58 lorsqu'elle est tournée. Lorsque la montre est immergée, la chambre 48 est reliée au milieu extérieur par l'interstice 40 et, grâce au fait que les plots de positionnement 58 n'occupent pas toute la chambre 48, celle-ci est à la même pression que le milieu extérieur. L'eau compresse alors la bague de positionnement 52 qui appuie sur le joint 42 et applique fortement les lèvres 44a contre les parois de la chambre 36. Ainsi, plus la pression extérieure est forte, plus les lèvres 44a sont fortement appliquées contre les parois 36a et 36b de la chambre. Dans ces conditions, les forces de frottement alors créées entre les lèvres 44a et la boîte de montre 10 rendent impossible toute rotation de la lunette 18. Il y a donc verrouillage en plongée, ce qui renforce la sécurité.At atmospheric pressure, the pressure applied by the spring 50 on the ring 44 makes it possible to control the torque necessary for the rotation of the telescope 18 and to ensure the contact of the lips 44a around the entire periphery of the walls 36a and 36b. The positioning ring 52, shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, has the same median diameter as the ring 44. It is disposed in contact with the spring 50, opposite the bezel 18 and includes positioning pads 58 resting on the bezel 18 so as to maintain the spring 50 in contact with the lips. The pads 58 are cylindrical in shape and have a flat surface, intended to be in contact with the telescope. The height of the assembly formed by the ring 52 and by the studs 58 is equal to the distance separating the bezel 18 from the annular spring 50. The latter is thus precisely held in place while the bezel 18 slides on the studs 58 when 'she's turned. When the watch is submerged, the chamber 48 is connected to the external medium by the gap 40 and, thanks to the fact that the positioning pads 58 do not occupy the entire chamber 48, the latter is at the same pressure as the medium outside. The water then compresses the positioning ring 52 which presses on the seal 42 and strongly applies the lips 44a against the walls of the chamber 36. Thus, the higher the external pressure, the more the lips 44a are strongly applied against the walls 36a and 36b from the bedroom. Under these conditions, the friction forces then created between the lips 44a and the watch case 10 make it impossible to rotate the telescope 18. There is therefore a diving lock, which increases safety.
En eaux profondes, le plongeur respire un mélange gazeux contenant de l'hélium ou de l'hydrogène. Ces gaz légers peuvent pénétrer à l'intérieur de la boîte de montre. Lors de la remontée vers la surface, la pression extérieure peut décroître plus rapidement que celle régnant à l'intérieure de la boîte de montre. Si une vanne n'est pas prévue pour réguler cette surpression, le verre peut être expulsé de son logement. Avec une boîte selon l'invention, une telle vanne n'est pas nécessaire. En effet, grâce à la forme des lèvres 44a, le gaz contenu à l'intérieur de la boîte 10 peut s'échapper librement.In deep waters, the diver breathes a gas mixture containing helium or hydrogen. These light gases can get inside the watch case. During the ascent to the surface, the external pressure can decrease more quickly than that prevailing inside the watch case. If a valve is not provided to regulate this overpressure, the glass can be expelled from its housing. With a box according to the invention, such a valve is not necessary. Indeed, thanks to the shape of the lips 44a, the gas contained inside the box 10 can escape freely.
En d'autres termes, la boîte de montre ainsi réalisée est parfaitement étanche lorsque la pression extérieure est supérieure à la pression intérieure et elle laisse s'échapper le gaz qu'elle contient lorsque la pression intérieure est supérieure à la pression extérieure. Ainsi est obtenu une boîte de montre étanche dotée d'une lunette tournante, dont les qualités d'étanchéité sont particulièrement performantes. Par ailleurs, ces qualités ne se font pas au détriment de la souplesse de fonctionnement de la lunette tournante.In other words, the watch case thus produced is perfectly waterproof when the outside pressure is higher than the inside pressure and it lets out the gas which it contains when the inside pressure is higher than the outside pressure. Thus is obtained a waterproof watch case with a rotating bezel, whose sealing qualities are particularly effective. Furthermore, these qualities are not to the detriment of the flexibility of operation of the rotating bezel.
La boîte ainsi décrite peut, bien entendu, faire l'objet de nombreuses variantes, sans pour autant sortir du cadre de l'invention. Ainsi, la chambre 36 pourrait présenter une section autre que rectangulaire. De plus, le joint pourrait être orienté de manière différente, avec, par exemple, les lèvres en contact avec les parois supérieure 36c et inférieure 36d, alors que la partie intermédiaire serait en contact avec la paroi latérale 36a formée sur la lunette 18. Les moyens d'assemblage de la lunette 18 sur la carrure 16 pourrait aussi être considérablement modifiés. La partie intérieure mobile pourrait occuper un espace beaucoup plus important, afin de permettre l'affichage d'un maximum d'informations et offrir ainsi de meilleures conditions de lecture. The box thus described can, of course, be the subject of numerous variants, without however departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the chamber 36 could have a section other than rectangular. In addition, the seal could be oriented differently, with, for example, the lips in contact with the upper 36c and lower 36d walls, while the intermediate part would be in contact with the side wall 36a formed on the bezel 18. The means of assembling the bezel 18 on the middle 16 could also be considerably modified. The movable interior part could occupy a much larger space, in order to allow the display of a maximum of information and thus offer better reading conditions.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Boîte de montre comportant une carrure (16), une lunette (18) montée mobile en rotation sur la carrure et définissant entre elles une chambre annulaire (36) et un interstice (40) ouvert vers l'extérieur de la boîte, un verre (22) monté de manière étanche sur la lunette, un joint d'étanchéité (42) intercalé entre la lunette et la carrure et disposé dans ladite chambre (36), caractérisé en ce que ledit joint comporte une bague (44) de forme annulaire en matériau de type fortement déformable élastiquement et dont la section comprend deux lèvres (44a), l'une en appui contre la lunette (18), l'autre contre la carrure (16) et un organe de compression (48) disposé dans ladite chambre du côté de l'interstice, intercalé entre et coopérant avec lesdites lèvres pour les compresser respectivement contre la lunette et contre la carrure.1. Watch case comprising a middle part (16), a bezel (18) mounted mobile in rotation on the middle part and defining between them an annular chamber (36) and a gap (40) open towards the outside of the case, a glass (22) mounted in leaktight manner on the bezel, a seal (42) interposed between the bezel and the middle part and disposed in said chamber (36), characterized in that said seal comprises a ring (44) of shaped annular material of the highly elastically deformable type and the section of which comprises two lips (44a), one bearing against the bezel (18), the other against the middle part (16) and a compression member (48) arranged in said chamber on the side of the gap, interposed between and cooperating with said lips to compress them respectively against the bezel and against the middle.
2. Boîte de montre selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que ladite chambre (36) est définie par des parois latérales, supérieure et inférieure, les lèvres (44a) sont reliées l'une à l'autre par une partie intermédiaire (44b) et disposées de manière à former entre elles un angle aigu, lesdites lèvres présentant, du côté de leur extrémité libre, une surface de contact destinées à être en appui sur les parois de ladite chambre, sans que ledit interstice soit obturé.2. Watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that said chamber (36) is defined by side walls, upper and lower, the lips (44a) are connected to each other by an intermediate part (44b ) and arranged so as to form an acute angle between them, said lips having, on the side of their free end, a contact surface intended to be supported on the walls of said chamber, without said gap being closed.
3. Boîte de montre selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que ladite partie intermédiaire (44b) est plane et épouse la paroi inférieure de la chambre (36), lesdites lèvres étant appui par leur surface de contact sur les parois latérales.3. Watch case according to claim 2, characterized in that said intermediate part (44b) is planar and matches the lower wall of the chamber (36), said lips being supported by their contact surface on the side walls.
4. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications 2 et 3, caractérisée en ce que l'organe de compression (46) comprend un ressort annulaire (50) placé directement au contact des lèvres (44a). 4. Watch case according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the compression member (46) comprises an annular spring (50) placed directly in contact with the lips (44a).
5. Boîte de montre selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que le ressort annulaire (50) présente des ondulations régulières, réparties de part et d'autre d'un cercle de diamètre sensiblement égal au diamètre médian de ladite chambre, lesdites ondulations étant repliées par la ligne que forme ledit cercle, l'angle du pli étant supérieur ou égal à celui de froment lesdites lèvres.5. Watch case according to claim 4, characterized in that the annular spring (50) has regular undulations, distributed on either side of a circle of diameter substantially equal to the median diameter of said chamber, said undulations being folded by the line formed by said circle, the angle of the fold being greater than or equal to that of wheat said lips.
6. Boîte selon l'une des revendications 4 et 5, caractérisée en ce que ledit ressort est en acier inoxydable.6. Box according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said spring is made of stainless steel.
7. Boîte selon l'une des revendications 4 à 6, caractérisée en ce que ledit organe de compression comporte, en outre une bague de positionnement (52) intercalée entre ledit ressort et l'une des parois de la chambre.7. Box according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said compression member further comprises a positioning ring (52) interposed between said spring and one of the walls of the chamber.
8. Boîte de montre selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que la bague de positionnement (52) est disposée en regard de la lunette (18) et comporte des plots de positionnement (58) s'appuyant sur ladite lunette de manière à maintenir la partie intermédiaire en appui contre une paroi de ladite chambre. 8. Watch case according to claim 7, characterized in that the positioning ring (52) is arranged opposite the bezel (18) and comprises positioning pads (58) resting on said bezel so as to maintain the intermediate part pressing against a wall of said chamber.
9. Joint d'étanchéité pour montre, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une bague (44) de forme annulaire en matériau de type fortement déformable élastiquement et dont la section comprend deux lèvres (44a), et un organe de compression (48) disposé entre les lèvres et coopérant avec elles pour les compresser. 9. Seal for a watch, characterized in that it comprises a ring (44) of annular shape made of material of highly resiliently deformable type and the section of which comprises two lips (44a), and a compression member (48) disposed between the lips and cooperating with them to compress them.
10. Joint selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que ledit organe de compression comprend un ressort annulaire (50) placé directement au contact des lèvres (44a) et une bague de positionnement (52) coopérant avec le ressort pour le maintenir en place. 10. Joint according to claim 9, characterized in that said compression member comprises an annular spring (50) placed directly in contact with the lips (44a) and a positioning ring (52) cooperating with the spring to hold it in place.
EP03769145A 2002-11-18 2003-11-13 Watch case Expired - Lifetime EP1565794B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03769145A EP1565794B1 (en) 2002-11-18 2003-11-13 Watch case

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02405993 2002-11-18
EP02405993A EP1420307A1 (en) 2002-11-18 2002-11-18 Watch case
PCT/CH2003/000745 WO2004046831A1 (en) 2002-11-18 2003-11-13 Watch case
EP03769145A EP1565794B1 (en) 2002-11-18 2003-11-13 Watch case

Publications (2)

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EP1565794A1 true EP1565794A1 (en) 2005-08-24
EP1565794B1 EP1565794B1 (en) 2007-08-01

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ID=32116362

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EP02405993A Withdrawn EP1420307A1 (en) 2002-11-18 2002-11-18 Watch case
EP03769145A Expired - Lifetime EP1565794B1 (en) 2002-11-18 2003-11-13 Watch case

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US (1) US7234858B2 (en)
EP (2) EP1420307A1 (en)
JP (1) JP4533752B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20050086720A (en)
CN (1) CN100407077C (en)
AT (1) ATE368878T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003277792A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60315344T2 (en)
HK (1) HK1084195A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004046831A1 (en)

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JP6262480B2 (en) * 2013-09-20 2018-01-17 セイコーインスツル株式会社 clock
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EP3220210B1 (en) * 2016-03-15 2020-05-06 Montres Breguet S.A. Chiming or musical timepiece, with resonant bezel
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RU171443U1 (en) * 2016-12-14 2017-05-31 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Часовой завод "НИКА" Clock
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KR20050086720A (en) 2005-08-30
AU2003277792A1 (en) 2004-06-15
ATE368878T1 (en) 2007-08-15
US7234858B2 (en) 2007-06-26
EP1565794B1 (en) 2007-08-01
WO2004046831A1 (en) 2004-06-03
JP2006506624A (en) 2006-02-23
JP4533752B2 (en) 2010-09-01
US20060002242A1 (en) 2006-01-05
EP1420307A1 (en) 2004-05-19
HK1084195A1 (en) 2006-07-21
CN100407077C (en) 2008-07-30
CN1714317A (en) 2005-12-28
DE60315344T2 (en) 2008-05-08
DE60315344D1 (en) 2007-09-13

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